Chapter 633 - Hope

Chapter 633: Chapter 633 - Hope

Voren did not give Ravyn any answer, only narrating everything to Seraphine as soon as he arrived. He spoke from the shower, his voice echoing off the tiled walls, and she had paused her meal so they could speak as he bathed.

The steam curled around him, carrying his words through the open bathroom door.

Seraphine also informed Chef Jax to bring food for Voren, knowing her husband would be hungry after his journey.

After putting on clean clothes, simple black t-shirt and sweatpants, Voren kissed his wife, his lips lingering on hers, before taking his seat at the dining table.

"So, what do you think?" he asked, pushing everything to her as he began to eat his first meal of the day. The food was simple but hearty—roasted meat, vegetables, fresh bread.

It was already past midday, the sun high in the sky. Seraphine ate slowly, her fork moving in lazy circles, her mind in deep thoughts.

"If King Jaron is planning so much against Corvine, then he’s planning something bigger." She set down her fork, meeting Voren’s gaze. "Let’s take the bait. Espe doesn’t like Ravyn anyway, and those fears are still on her mind. Ravyn should win King Jaron’s trust, including agreeing to fight for Liah."

Voren was still eating, but his attention was on her every word, his eyes sharp and assessing. "Alright, I’ll inform Corvine that Ravyn would not be a threat." He paused, chewing thoughtfully. "But he should still watch him closely."

There was only one day remaining for Corvine to leave, so after his meal, Voren devoted the rest of the night to training with Corvine in wolf form. The moon hung high and full, casting silver light across the training grounds outside the pack, their movements fluid and powerful.

The next day was both physical and wolf training, relentless, brutal, designed to push Corvine to his absolute limits. By midday, Voren made the decision.

"Damon would leave with Liah in the chopper." Voren’s voice was firm, brooking no argument. "Corvine, you drive."

It wasn’t hard for Corvine to catch on. If he reported to the Silver Moon pack with Liah, he would be in trouble. His rivals would pick on the fact that he’s had the princess on his side throughout the entire time.

"Thank you for everything, Voren." Corvine said genuinely after the chopper took off with Liah and Damon. The roar of the rotors faded into the distance, leaving them in silence.

"Remember all you’ve learned." Voren’s voice was grave. "But I know you are wise. Make me proud, Corvine." He gripped Corvine’s shoulder, his eyes burning with intensity. "Ravyn claims to be our spy, but still watch him closely. Trust but verify."

Corvine nodded in eagerness before driving off, his car disappearing down the winding road.

Damon returned after a few hours, his expression tired but satisfied. And the next day at midnight, the remaining leaders were gathered around the shaman’s cave. The air was thick with anticipation, the candlelight flickering anxiously.

Madison was the first to wake up. Her eyes fluttered open slowly, confusion clouding her features. The shaman helped her to the entrance of the cave, guiding her weak steps. She was pale and trembling, having not eaten or drunk for three days.

"She should be given light food and allowed to rest more." The shaman advised, her voice gentle. "She’s now without wolf and should only join physical training after a week."

Seraphine and Einstein simultaneously embraced Madison, their arms wrapping around her frail form. "Mom, I’ll take care of you." Seraphine’s voice was thick with emotion as she led the middle-aged woman away with her father, their footsteps slow and careful.

Voren turned to the shaman, his expression tight with barely concealed worry. "What about Mom and Dad?"

The shaman’s gaze dropped, her ancient eyes clouding with uncertainty. "I’m still waiting." She held up the vial, now empty and dark. "The vial is empty, meaning she drank the content. But the delay means she’s being difficult." She paused, her voice dropping to a whisper. "If they don’t wake up in the next sixty minutes, then we’ll have to plan their funeral."

Voren’s expression dulled, but he couldn’t allow himself to lose hope. Not now, not when they had come so far. "I know my father will be able to convince her." His voice was steady, though his hands trembled slightly at his sides.

"Anyone in his shoes would have made the same mistake. Oriana and Olivia are identical twins. If Olivia complained about amnesia after going through a difficult birth, anyone would believe it." He shook his head slowly, the logic of it settling in his chest like a stone. "He loved her, trusted her. How could he have known?"

The shaman smiled, reached out and patted him on the shoulder, her touch light but reassuring. "There is only little I can do from here." Her voice was soft, carrying the weight of centuries. "The rest is up to them."

As the minutes passed, Voren broke out into cold sweats. His palms grew clammy, his heart pounding against his ribs. Each tick of the clock felt like a hammer blow, each second stretching into an eternity.

The cave grew suffocating, the candlelight flickering like a dying heartbeat. There was still no sign of his father and mother waking up. The silence was deafening, broken only by the soft crackle of flames.

Seraphine returned, her footsteps silent on the stone floor. She naturally wrapped her arms around Voren, her warmth seeping into his cold skin, her presence grounding him.

"You remember why I changed Esperanza’s name from Marigold, right?" Her voice was soft, a gentle reminder meant to anchor him.

Voren nodded, his throat tight. "Of course." He swallowed hard, his arms tightening around her. "It’s because you had hope. You refused to let the darkness win. You believed you’d be reunited with her, and you gave her that name to carry that belief forward." His voice cracked slightly. "You were right to do that."

His arms around her tightened, pulling her closer. "They will make it." His voice was fierce, almost defiant. "I believe it." Renewed hope surged through him, sparked by Seraphine’s comfort.

No, he would not lose hope. He could not lose hope. Not when his father’s life and his mother’s soul hung in the balance.

He pressed his forehead to hers, their breath mingling in the dim candlelight. "They will wake up," he whispered, more to himself than to her. "They have to."

But the minutes continued to slip away, each one a thief stealing what little hope he had left.